Getting involved in political life: standing for elected office, joining a political party, or following the news; is at the heart of what it means to live in a democracy. People with disabilities are active citizens, keen to participate given the right opportunities. However, they face legal, administrative, institutional and accessibility barriers to taking part. Several EU initiatives encourage people with disabilities to participate in politics. With the 2024 European elections on the horizon, the European Parliament is committed to helping them take part.

EPRS Policy Podcast - People with disabilities and the European elections

Európsky parlament si pripomína 70 rokov demokracie v akcii: od jeho prvého zhromaždenia v roku 1952 až po súčasnosť, ktorá prináša mnohé výzvy a v ktorej Parlament preukazuje svoju silu.

70. výročie Európskeho parlamentu: 70 rokov európskej demokracie

Máte obavy, že vy, vaši priatelia alebo rodina sa môžete stať obeťami nepravdivých správ a rýchlo sa šíriacich konšpiračných teórií? Patríte medzi rastúci počet ľudí, ktorí považujú nepravdivé správy za výzvu pre demokraciu. EÚ Vám dáva niekoľko odporúčaní

Niekoľko slov o tom, čo Európa robí pre neprofesionálnych overovateľov faktov

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on the week from 27th to 31st january 2025. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate.

EUDS - Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

Parliament holds debates on human rights, democracy and rule of law topics.

Human rights are fundamental values of the entire international community. More than 70 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first comprehensive international human rights document to set common standards to which all UN members should aspire, human rights have become a cornerstone of the international system and have reached almost universal recognition. However, much remains to be done in practice so that every human being can enjoy their fundamental rights.

Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

Observing Election Day is one of the principal ways the European Parliament supports democracy.

Because MEPs are the EU's only directly elected representatives, their contribution is essential. With personal experience of campaigns, issues of financing and the work of representing citizens, MEPs bring political legitimacy to observation missions.

Over more than three decades, the European Parliament has observed several hundred elections. Every year, MEPs travel to as many as a dozen countries across the world.
Observing Election Day is one of the principal ways the European Parliament supports democracy.

Election Observation Missions

This package contains the events between 1st July 2019 and 31 December 2020. For latest events, see related links.

At each plenary session in the European Parliament, debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law may also give rise to motions for resolutions. These texts are generally tabled by a committee, apolitical group or at least 40 Members.

Human rights are fundamental values of the entire international community. More than 70 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first comprehensive international human rights document to set common standards to which all UN members should aspire, human rights have become a cornerstone of the international system and have reached almost universal recognition. However, much remains to be done in practice so that every human being can enjoy their fundamental rights.

Since he was elected EP President on 3 July 2019, David SASSOLI represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU. He also receives official representatives from governments.

The work of the European Union (EU) in the area of external relations includes the external trade relations, development policy, human rights and democracy, Union’s enlargement and neighbourhood and relations beyond the neighbourhood.

President Sassoli's official visits and bilateral meetings (2019-2020)

Dubravka Suica, born on 20 May 1957 in Dubrovnik, is a Croatian politician who has been a member of the European Parliament since 2013.

After the hearing by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) of the European Parliament, the committee prepares an evaluation letter on the candidate. Parliament is expected to vote on the new Commission as a whole on 23 October.

Hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President-designate, Democracy and Demograp

New committee on democracy shield. The new special Committee on the European Democracy Shield holds its constitutive meeting to elect their chair and vice-chair and launch their activities. It will deal with the so-called “Democracy Shield” initiative, included in the Commission’s 2024-2029 political guidelines, and other initiatives designed to counter malicious interference in democratic processes (Monday).

EUDS: New committee on democracy shield- Constitutive meeting

MEPs discuss the need to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) to safeguard democracy from foreign interference and algorithmic manipulation. 
The debate with Council and Commission representatives will focus on the compliance of major social media companies with the DSA, which sets clear obligations for digital service providers to tackle the spread of illegal content, online disinformation, and other societal risks. 
MEPs are expected to express concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability of platforms’ recommender systems and their failure to tackle risks, like disinformation and foreign interference. This follows a plenary debate on 17 December 2024, which addressed the issue of online disinformation in European elections. During that discussion, many MEPs urged the Commission to actively enforce the DSA and impose sanctions on platforms that violate EU rules.  
MEPs are also likely to bring up the future of the transatlantic partnership on technology, particularly in the context of the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump on 20 January, Elon Musk’s involvement in the US government and Meta’s recent decision to end its fact-checking programme. 
Background 
While the DSA does not regulate personal views or opinions, it introduces measures to tackle illegal content - such as terrorist material and child sexual abuse - in full compliance with the principles of freedom of expression and information. The legislation ensures users have a right to challenge unlawful or arbitrary content moderation decisions by online platforms. At the same time, online platforms are required to be more transparent about their operations, including about their “recommender systems”.

Debate on the need to enforce DSA to protect democracy

Henna Virkkunen is a Finnish Member of the European Parliament since 2014. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Tech-Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President designate, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Michael McGrath was Irish Minister for Finance from 2022 to 2024, and he is now the European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate, Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law

MEPs are discussing global social media platform regulations on Tuesday, focusing on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and its role in protecting democracy and online freedom. The DSA, in effect since February 2024, applies to all platforms, and MEPs question the Commission on its enforcement measures, including ongoing investigations into potential violations by TikTok, Meta, X, and AliExpress. 

Since the DSA's adoption, countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US are considering similar laws to hold platforms accountable for user safety. The EU's digital rulebook, a global standard for consumer protection and rights online, includes obligations for social media companies to combat illegal content, enhance algorithm transparency, and ban misleading practices such as targeted ads for children. 

MEPs are also explore how the DSA has influenced global regulatory trends and assess further measures to strengthen its enforcement.

Global measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Committee on Security and Defence Joint meeting Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

SEDE

EUDS

The Role of Parliaments in Public Engagement and Outreach (Conference by the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group)

Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield – Joint Meeting with Members of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

LIBE

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

Special Committee Constitutive Meeting on the European Democracy Shield

Press point by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Confirmation hearing of Henna Maria VIRKKUNEN, Commissioner-designate, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Press point by Michael McGrath, Commissioner-Designate for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, Commissioner-designate, Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law

Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly - Meeting of the Committee on Political Affairs, Human Rights and Democracy

Media seminar – Safeguarding Democracy: the role of the media / European Elections 2024

Press conference by Nacho SÁNCHEZ AMOR, rapporteur on The Annual Report 2023 on Human Rights and Democracy

Read-out of the College meeting / press conference by Vice-Presidents JOUROVÁ and ŠUICA on the Defence of Democracy legislative package

Conversations with women Speakers in Africa on gender and democracy

ACP-EU JPA / Seminar 'Triangle on Democracy'

Together for democracy: EYE2023 opening plenary

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) constitutive meeting

JURI - Exchange of views with Mr Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection

Information Session - Democracy Support and Election Observation

EP Plenary session - The need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms against foreign interference and biased algorithms

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

EPRS Policy roundtable - Towards a European democracy shield in our digital world: The role of information integrity

LIBE the constitutive meeting of the LIBE Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG)

ITRE IMCO -  Confirmation hearing of VHenna Maria VIRKKUNEN, European Commissioner-designate for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy - Press Point

ITRE IMCO -  Confirmation hearing of Henna Maria VIRKKUNEN, European Commissioner-designate for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

LIBE IMCO JURI - Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law - Press point

LIBE IMCO JURI - Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law

EPRS event - How speeches can bring trust in democracy

From hands-on experience of European parliamentary democracy to virtual role-play games, the European Parliament’s youth offer has something for everyone.
You can step into an MEPs shoes, learn how EU decisions are made and present your ideas for Europe’s future.
Connect with like-minded people to stand up for EU democracy and values and get voters out for elections.    
Find out more in our explainer.

Parliament’s youth offer: Connect, learn and stand up for democracy! - VT EE24

Parliament’s youth offer: Connect, learn and stand up for democracy! - 4-5 EE24

Parliament’s youth offer: Connect, learn and stand up for democracy! -16:9 EE24

Nacho SÁNCHEZ AMOR (S&D, ES), rapporteur, speaks to the press on the Annual Report 2023 on Human Rights and Democracy. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Nacho SÁNCHEZ AMOR (S&D, ES), rapporteur on The Annual Report 2023 on Human Rights and Democracy

To improve road safety and support the digital transition, MEPs debate and vote on updating driving licence rules, introducing mobile licences and mandatory health checks. Opening statements by Karima DELLI, Rapporteur, and Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Debate: Driving licences: Opening statements by Karima DELLI, Rapporteur, and Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography

To improve road safety and support the digital transition, MEPs debate and vote (on Wednesday) on updating driving licence rules, introducing mobile licences and mandatory health checks.

Debate: Driving licences: Closing statements by Karima DELLI, Rapporteur, and Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography

Od praktických skúseností s európskou parlamentnou demokraciou po virtuálne rolové hry: v ponuke Európskeho parlamentu pre mládež je niečo pre každého. Môžete sa vžiť do úlohy poslancov EP, zistiť, ako sa v EÚ prijímajú rozhodnutia, a predstaviť svoje nápady pre budúcnosť Európy. Spojte sa s podobne zmýšľajúcimi ľudmi a spoločne sa postavte za demokraciu a hodnoty EÚ a motivujte voličov k účasti vo voľbách. Ďalšie informácie nájdete v našom vysvetľujúcom videu.

Ponuka Parlamentu pre mládež: Spojte sa, učte sa a postavte sa za demokraciu!

MEPs debate on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25). Plenary assesses the situation across the EU with Commission representatives. Parliament has repeatedly raised the issue of gender-based violence and is currently in negotiations with member states on draft EU legislation to tackle violence against women and domestic violence. Closing statement by Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: closing statement by Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography

MEPs debate on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25). Plenary assesses the situation across the EU with Commission representatives. Parliament has repeatedly raised the issue of gender-based violence and is currently in negotiations with member states on draft EU legislation to tackle violence against women and domestic violence. Opening statements by by Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: opening statements by by Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography

MEPs put forward draft changes to the EU’s core rules, following up on the Conference on the Future of Europe and reacting to unprecedented challenges. The text, prepared in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs by five co-rapporteurs representing a broad majority, includes a more bicameral system, as well as granting Parliament the full right to initiate legislation and the right to co-legislate on the EU’s long-term budget. It also calls for an increase in the number of decisions taken by qualified majority in the Council. Closing statements Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography, Guy VERHOFSTADT (Renew, BE), Sven SIMON (EPP, DE), Gabriele BISCHOFF (S&D, DE), Daniel FREUND (Greens/EFA, DE) and Helmut SCHOLZ (The Left, DE), Rapporteurs.

Proposal of the European Parliament for the amendment of Treaties: Closing statements Dubravka ŠUICA, VP of the EC in charge of Democracy and Demography, and Rapporteurs

MEPs discuss the wellbeing and the protection of children in Europe, marking the International Day on the Rights of the Child. The Parliament also debate how to strengthen the Child Guarantee, two years after its adoption in 2021. MEPs discuss a report to reduce inequalities and increase social inclusion in times of crisis for children and their families. In the text, Parliament calls for better integrated social, educational and employment services to help break the vicious circle of poverty and to protect children and their families at risk of poverty, in particular in times of crisis. Closing statement by Sandra PEREIRA, Rapporteur and Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography

International Day on the Rights of the Child: closing statement by Sandra PEREIRA, Rapporteur and Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography

MEPs discuss the wellbeing and the protection of children in Europe, marking the International Day on the Rights of the Child. The Parliament also debate how to strengthen the Child Guarantee, two years after its adoption in 2021. MEPs discuss a report to reduce inequalities and increase social inclusion in times of crisis for children and their families. In the text, Parliament calls for better integrated social, educational and employment services to help break the vicious circle of poverty and to protect children and their families at risk of poverty, in particular in times of crisis. Opening statement by Sandra PEREIRA (The Left, PT), Rapporteur and Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography and Ewa KOPACZ (EPP, PL), on behalf of the FEMM Committee. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Joint debate International Day on the Rights of the Child: opening statement by Sandra PEREIRA, Rapporteur and Dubravka ŠUICA, VP of the EC in charge of Democracy and Demography and by Ewa KOPACZ, on behalf of the FEMM Committee

Swedish version. Together.eu is a community of people who believe in democracy and who want to give it real meaning as the next European elections approach. It connects people from across Europe to meet, share knowledge and learn new skills, all while encouraging others to vote in 2024.

Together for democracy (Swedish version)

Czech version. Together.eu is a community of people who believe in democracy and who want to give it real meaning as the next European elections approach. It connects people from across Europe to meet, share knowledge and learn new skills, all while encouraging others to vote in 2024.

Together for democracy (Czech version)

Gaelic version. Together.eu is a community of people who believe in democracy and who want to give it real meaning as the next European elections approach. It connects people from across Europe to meet, share knowledge and learn new skills, all while encouraging others to vote in 2024.

Together for democracy (Gaelic version)

Greek version. Together.eu is a community of people who believe in democracy and who want to give it real meaning as the next European elections approach. It connects people from across Europe to meet, share knowledge and learn new skills, all while encouraging others to vote in 2024.

Together for democracy (Greek version)

Slovak version. Together.eu is a community of people who believe in democracy and who want to give it real meaning as the next European elections approach. It connects people from across Europe to meet, share knowledge and learn new skills, all while encouraging others to vote in 2024.

Together for democracy (Slovak version)

Lithuanian version. Together.eu is a community of people who believe in democracy and who want to give it real meaning as the next European elections approach. It connects people from across Europe to meet, share knowledge and learn new skills, all while encouraging others to vote in 2024.

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